On the afternoon of Nov. 29, 2013 (local time), Chinese Premier Li Keqiang attended the 12th Prime Ministers' Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States in Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan. The participating leaders had an in-depth exchange of views and reached broad consensus on boosting the cooperation in a wide range of areas within the SCO framework and enhancing SCO institutional building.
Premier Li said that since its establishment 12 years ago, SCO has been pursuing the Shanghai spirit of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for the diversity of civilizations, and seeking for common development and has achieved important outcome in terms of cooperation in a diverse range of areas. The political and economic situation in the world is undergoing complex changes. On one hand, we need to maintain our tradition and principles; on the other hand, we need to explore innovative means of cooperation, expand areas of cooperation and work together to tackle challenges. Countries should implement the consensus reached at the Bishkek Summit this September, create a secure, facilitating, mutually-beneficial and green environment for development and accelerate the development of the region for the benefits of the people.
Premier Li put forward a six-point proposal on deepening pragmatic cooperation within SCO.
First, to deepen security cooperation. It is the common interests and common responsibilities of member states to fight against terrorist activities. SCO should identify the fight against terrorist activities and drug trafficking as a priority area for cooperation among member states. The SCO's anti-terror organization should be given the anti-drug function so as to enhance SCO's comprehensive security-safeguarding capabilities.
Second, to speed up road connectivity. Considering that all the SCO member states are at the "Silk Road Economic Belt", it was hoped that they could sign an inter-governmental agreement on the facilitation of international road transport at an earlier date and vigorously participate in the construction of the new Eurasian Continental Bridge and the Chongqing-Xinjiang-Europe international railway. In a bid to ensure smoother traffic flow from east to west, China is willing to provide support in technology, equipment and financing.
Third, to promote trade and investment facilitation. Premier Li proposed to simplify procedures for customs clearance, inspection and quarantine, lower tariffs and eliminate trade barriers. Premier Li also proposed to enhance cooperation in producing and processing agricultural and livestock products. China is willing to provide member states with logistics and warehouse services at Lianyungang city, the east end of the Eurasian Continental Bridge.
Fourth, to strengthen financial cooperation. The role of the Interbank Consortium of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation should be better leveraged and efforts should be made to promote the establishment of an SCO development bank so as to provide financing support for the connectivity and industrial cooperation among SCO member states. Efforts should also be made to accelerate local-currency settlement among the member states. China is willing to establish a China-Eurasian economic cooperation fund, which will welcome the participation of Asian and European countries, including SCO member states, observer countries and dialogue partners.
Fifth, to promote cooperation in ecological protection and energy. Premier Li proposed to jointly stipulate environmental protection cooperation strategies and establish an information-sharing platform. Li suggested improving energy cooperation mechanism, deepening cooperation in energy production, transportation and processing and launching cooperation in new energy areas such as nuclear power.
Sixth, to expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Premier Li proposed to respect cultural diversity and enhance mutual understanding among people of different countries in a bid to consolidate the public-opinion foundation. China is willing to increase the number of government scholarships for youth students from SCO member states. He hoped that the cooperation in tourism could be strengthened.
Premier Li briefed the meeting on China's economic situation. He pointed out that via sticking to stabilization policies, innovating on economic macro-control methods, and simplifying administrative procedures, China has invigorated the market and encouraged private investment, which has contributed to the steady development of the Chinese economy despite the pressure of an economic downturn. China is now well on its way to accomplish this year's major economic and social development goals.
Premier Li pointed out that the Third Plenary Session of the 18th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee has made important arrangements for comprehensively deepening reform, which will surely contribute to the healthy economic growth in the long run. China is willing to share opportunities generated by each other's development with SCO members for a beautiful tomorrow for SCO.
The prime ministers of SCO member states and representatives of the observers and dialogue partners agreed with the "six-point proposal" and spoke highly of the important role that China has played in promoting cooperation among the SCO member states and the SCO self-building. All the member states agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation, advance the institutional building of the organization, and expand the coordination and cooperation between "member states" and "observers and dialogue partners". They agreed to strengthen regional connectivity, deepen practical cooperation in trade, energy and finance, and intensify cultural and people-to-people exchanges. They agreed to jointly deal with security challenges, safeguard regional peace and stability, and promote common development.